Building Cultural Bridges: ChopinPianoFEST Prishtina as a Platform for Participation, Inclusion, and Human Connection through Music

Abstract

Music festivals can transcend artistic presentation to become spaces of learning, empathy, and intercultural dialogue. In post-conflict Kosovo, ChopinPianoFEST Prishtina has evolved since 2009 into one of the most important regional platforms for classical music, connecting artists, educators, students, and audiences. The study examines how this festival functions as a form of music and humanity—a place where artistic excellence intersects with education, participation, and cultural inclusion. The aim is to explore how ChopinPianoFEST fosters human connection and informal music education, and to identify the social meanings emerging from its artistic and community practices. The research model follows a qualitative case study approach combining elements of autoethnography and document analysis. Data sources include festival programs, interviews with artists and participants, media reports, and researcher reflections based on long-term involvement in festival management. The analysis applies thematic coding focused on participation, inclusion, and identity.  There are theoretical frameworks and authors that support viewing festivals as human practices that generate social meaning and empathy such as Christopher Small’s concept of musicking (1998) viewing music as social action; David Elliott’s praxial philosophy of music education (1995) emphasizing on human experience and learning through practice and Thomas Turino’s theories on musical participation and community (2008) arguing about participatory versus presentational performance. Findings indicate that the festival operates as a non-formal educational space where professional musicians, students, and audiences engage in shared experiences that strengthen empathy and cultural belonging. Beyond performance, masterclasses and outreach activities cultivate intergenerational learning and dialogue. The study concludes that ChopinPianoFEST demonstrates how classical music initiatives can contribute to social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding. Recommendations emphasize the importance of integrating such festivals into national cultural and educational policies as sustainable platforms for musical and human development.